Since the Chinese economic reform in the end of the last century the impact on the environment has increased substantially. This creates opportunities for research institutes like Alterra to develop and transfer its knowledge in order to support in solving problems.

Since 1996 Alterra is involved in a wide range of environmental projects in China. The projects concern from forest conservation management in the South of China (Yunnan),  integrated management of heavy metal polluted soils, sustainable pesticide use, nature conservation in the Yellow River Delta, soil erosion studies in the upper parts of Yellow River and Yangtze River, to water management improvement for agriculture in North China, and many other projects as well. In this last ten years a strong network with Chinese partners in universities and research institutes has been set up, such as many CAS-institutes (like RCEES, IGSNRR, IAE), CAAS-institues (i.e. SFI in Chengdu) and Universities (Nanjing Agricultural university, China Agricultural University, Beijing Normal University, Zhejiang University, Yunnan Univeristy).
Projects have been funded by the European Union, Dutch government and Chinese government as well. 
 

Alterra Business in China 
Alterra has been represented in China by local experts for several years now. Our representatives work for the Wageningen UR Representative Office in Beijing.


Two Ministers at opening ceremony of the Center of the SDAIPC Center

They also work at the Sino-Dutch Agricultural Innovation and Promotion Centre (SDAIPC). This Centre is established as a result of the agreement between the Chinese and Dutch Ministries of Agriculture, singed in April 2007 by the Chinese Vice Minister, Mr. Zhang Baowen and the Dutch Minister, Mrs. Gerda Verburg.

The goal of the Center is to identify the strategic topics in research and development that are beneficial for Chinese parties as well as for Dutch parties involved. Emphasis will be given to research programs on agriculture, rural development, environment, life sciences, food and nutrition.
The Center locates at one building of Chinese Agricultural Academy of Sciences (CAAS). Wageningen UR Representative Office in China is the permanent organization of the Center.